Florida residents got some good news during the first nine months of 2022 with a decrease in fatal traffic accidents. However, at the same time, fatalities increased when pedestrians and cyclists were involved. Even though the decrease was only 0.2% over the previous period in 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) viewed the trend as encouraging.
Decreases follow an unprecedented surge
Fatalities from motor vehicle accidents began rising in 2020 due to risky behaviors, even though people were driving less. These behaviors included excessive speed along with reckless and impaired driving. Fewer people wore seat belts as well. Nearly 43,000 people died on U.S. roads in 2021, the highest number in 16 years. That number represents a 105% jump over 2020, representing the most significant percentage increase since the NHTSA began collecting data in 1975. The third quarter figures released by the NHTSA showed a second consecutive quarterly decrease, following seven successive quarter-upon-quarter increases. Although the NHTSA indicates that the decline is a small step forward for safer roads, more work must be done.
Other statistics show mixed results. Fatalities on rural highways rose 12%, with crashes involving large trucks up 10%. Urban crashes decreased by 10%, with the same decrease happening among children under 16. Crashes involving speeding decreased by 2% and dropped 7% among those not wearing seat belts.
Many severe injury accidents still occur
Even though the incidence of severe motor vehicle accidents may be decreasing, they’re still prevalent, often causing catastrophic injuries. Most vehicular accidents occur due to negligence by one or more drivers. Anyone who sustains injuries in a motor vehicle accident has the right to pursue a lawsuit against those who caused the accident.
Filing an insurance claim can help when you have sustained injuries in an accident. However, the payments are often not sufficient to cover ongoing medical and therapy treatments, along with living expenses when you can’t work during your recovery. Keeping meticulous records regarding the accident and your medical condition can support a subsequent lawsuit.